Arizona's Tommy Lloyd: 'Already have one of the best jobs in the country'

Lloyd says he's focused on his current squad despite being linked to North Carolina opening

Mar. 26, 2026 at 9:11pm

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Arizona men's basketball coach Tommy Lloyd said Wednesday that he is focused on his current team and has one of the best jobs in the country, despite being linked to the open head coaching position at the University of North Carolina. Lloyd is in the second year of a five-year contract with Arizona and has led the Wildcats to a 34-2 record this season, one off the program's best for wins in a season.

Why it matters

Lloyd's name has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the North Carolina job after the school parted ways with Hubert Davis following a first-round NCAA Tournament loss. However, Lloyd indicated he is not distracted by the speculation and is fully committed to Arizona, which is set to face Arkansas in the Sweet 16.

The details

Lloyd, 51, did not make any definitive statements about staying at Arizona, but noted that coaching search situations often lead to contract upgrades for those whose names are attached to openings. He is currently making $5.1 million per year and has an $11 million buyout if he were to leave before April 15. Despite the outside interest, Lloyd said his full focus is on Arizona's NCAA Tournament run and the team's upcoming game against Arkansas.

  • On March 26, 2026, Lloyd spoke to reporters in San Jose, California, one day prior to Arizona's Sweet 16 matchup against Arkansas.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the University of Arizona men's basketball team, who is in the second year of a five-year contract with the Wildcats.

Hubert Davis

The former head coach of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team, who was dismissed after a first-round NCAA Tournament loss.

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What they’re saying

“I already have one of the best jobs in the country”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, University of Arizona

“I think we have a chance to advance in this tournament game by game, but I'm not delusional. I know we could lose tomorrow, but this team deserves my full focus. So, there's not one thing that is going to knock me off my path. I'm 100% focused on Arizona basketball and this program, and I can't wait till the ball gets thrown up tomorrow and then can't wait to try to figure out a way to come out on top.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, University of Arizona

What’s next

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The takeaway

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